Webster looking forward to experiencing Japan

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Brighton & Hove Albion are heading to Tokyo to train and play two pre-season friendlies.

2024-07-21T05:00+01:00

Adam Webster is looking forward to experiencing the sights and sounds of Japan.

Adam Webster says there’s a real sense of anticipation on the eve of Albion’s pre-season trip to Japan.

The first-team squad touch down in Tokyo this weekend, ahead of games in the 68,000 National Stadium against J-League sides Kashima Antlers and Tokyo Verdy, and the Albion defender is keen to break new boundaries with the club.

“I’m really looking forward to it – we all are,” said Webster. “I’ve never been to Japan before, so I’m excited to see a new country and a new culture. As far as the football is concerned, it’s going to be a real challenge for us, given the humidity and the heat there, but’s it’s going to benefit us all as we continue our preparations for the new season.

“Off the pitch, too, it’s going to be great to see our fans in Japan and for the club to continue to grow its fanbase in that part of the world. It’s going to be a great trip for all of us.”

The biggest cheer will undoubtedly be reserved for Japan international Kaoru Mitoma, who is back training for the Seagulls having recovered from his back injury. Not surprisingly, he has been giving his teammates a few pointers ahead of their flight to the Far East.

“I was speaking to Kaoru yesterday and he told me I’m going to stick out like a sore thumb because I’m so tall!” Webby laughed. “But he said that the people are so friendly and polite – just like Kaoru is – and that we will be made to feel really welcome.

“He also said the J-League is already passed the halfway point of the season, so the teams we’ll be facing will be fit and they’ll want to win in front of their own crowd. They’ll be used to the conditions as well, so it’s going to be a really good test.

“Last year’s pre-season trip to America saw us face Premier League opposition, so we pretty much knew what to expect, whereas the two games this time will be again unknown opposition. But given the level of detail the coaching staff go through, I’m sure we’ll be ready for both games.”

This will, of course, be Albion’s first outing under Fabian Hurzeler and Webster has been impressed with the impact the new head coach has already made since the players returned to training earlier this month.

“The training’s been really intense, really hard, but it’s been really enjoyable as well,” he said. “If you put the hard work in, you get your rewards from it – which is what you want as players.

“There are some similarities with what went before, but obviously there are some differences too. There’s been some changes with the coaching staff and the medical team, and you can see them definitely helping us in the long run.

“We review every training session every morning; we go through what was good and where we can improve, so the level of detail is fantastic. It’s been brilliant so far – we’re really enjoying it.”